The National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) Limited held the 3rd edition of its Annual New Year Prayers, with Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Center Cathedral serving as the main celebrant. The prayers, themed “New Beginnings, New Possibilities,” were aimed at ushering in blessings and aligning the institution’s vision with its goals for the new year.
Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, the CEO of NHCC, expressed gratitude for hosting the prayers, emphasizing the spiritual significance of dedicating the year to the Lord. “As an institution, we propose and purpose to create an altar so that it ushers us into the new year that the Lord gives us. This morning, we are blessed to have Pastor Robert Kayanja as the main celebrant officiating this prayer,” said Kaijuka.
Affordable Housing at the Center of NHCC’s Agenda
During his address, Eng. Kaijuka highlighted the urgent need to tackle housing affordability in Uganda, a concern that remains at the heart of NHCC’s operations. He noted that the company is committed to changing the narrative around affordable housing by embracing collaboration and leveraging partnerships with various stakeholders.
“Housing affordability comes from the customers’ components, such as the specifications, scale, and scope of what they want to build. One guidance we have taken is how collaboration can bring down costs,” Kaijuka explained.
Kaijuka also emphasized the importance of working with manufacturers, financiers, and suppliers to make housing more accessible. “We are not manufacturers of materials; we have to collaborate with manufacturers. Similarly, we must engage financiers to provide affordable options for the young and growing population.”
The Demographics Challenge
Eng. Kaijuka addressed the unique challenges posed by Uganda’s demographics, noting that 85% of the population is below 35 years of age. “When we talk about affordability, people are looking at houses at a particular price. However, when you analyze the population, the majority are young, just starting their careers, and cannot afford high-priced housing.”
He explained that many Ugandans between 25 and 35 years are still transitioning from school to employment and financial stability. “At 25, you finish university. By 28, you may pursue a master’s degree. By 30, you get married, and by 35, most have just started earning significantly. Acquiring a house worth UGX 50 million is often out of reach, making Uganda largely a rental market,” he said.
For Ugandans above 35 years, Kaijuka observed that only 15-20% can afford a house worth UGX 100 million. He called for immediate discussions to attract collaboration among financiers, developers, material suppliers, and landowners to make housing affordable for the majority of Ugandans.
Eng. Kaijuka reiterated the importance of partnerships to address Uganda’s housing challenges. “The discussion we must have now is about attracting collaboration. By working together—financiers, developers, suppliers, and landowners—we can make housing affordable for the majority of Ugandans,” he said.
As NHCC moves forward with its vision for 2025 and beyond, the focus remains on ensuring that every Ugandan can access decent and affordable housing. The prayers marked a renewed commitment to creating opportunities and solutions for Ugandans to achieve their dream of homeownership.
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